Camp Kalahari

Camp Kalahari is a unique, highly individual camp situated in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, tucked away among the Mokolwane palms and acacia trees of Hyena Island. It is run by Ralph Bousfield, son of the well-known explorer Jack Bousfield, part of a long line of African adventurers! Camp Kalahari accepts children of all ages and makes for a fantastic family safari destination.

Camp Kalahari has ten Meru-style tents, of which six are twins, three doubles, and one a family unit (accommodating two adults and two children). The traditional safari tents are en-suite and outfitted with rich textiles, Moroccan kilims, and four poster beds. They are spacious and comfortably decorated, with large beds, cotton sheets, African linens, and hot water bottles for the chilly winters!

Get unbelievably up close and personal with a gang of incredibly friendly habituated meerkats. Spend time walking with a group of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen for a glimpse into their ancient culture. Go on game drives to experience unique desert wildlife. Visit to Chapman’s Baobab, campsite of Livingstone & Selous: one of the three largest and oldest trees in Africa. During the dry season only: go quad biking across the lunar expanse of the pans; lie out on the pans as the sun sets, and watch the planetarium show unfold with horizon-to-horizon stars. During the wet season only: experience the spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest – the second biggest in Africa, and the last remaining in Southern Africa.

Camp Kalahari is committed to conservation and community empowerment, ensuring that tourism directly benefits both wildlife and local people. A portion of every guest’s stay supports conservation initiatives, such as wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching efforts. They also invest in local communities through education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, fostering a positive relationship between conservation and tourism. By choosing this camp, guests contribute to preserving Africa’s ecosystems while supporting long-term sustainability for both people and wildlife.